James M. Ondrako

Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | October 29, 2024

James Michael Ondrako, age 84, of McKeesport, passed away on October 27, 2024, at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center. Born on September 14, 1940, in Uniontown, he was the son of the late John and Mildred (Crable) Ondrako and the beloved husband of Nadine (Gouker) Ondrako. James served his country proudly in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged, carrying with him a lifelong sense of duty and dedication. He was a member of the White Oak American Legion Post 701.  Professionally, James worked as a draftsman at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, retiring after many dedicated years. A man of diverse interests, he enjoyed fishing and was a collector of knives, watches, and clocks. He was also a talented artist, sharing his gifts through photography, painting, metalsmithing, and drawing. In his spare time, he found satisfaction in tinkering in his basement, fixing things, and working on cars.

James is survived by his wife, Nadine; daughters Jamie Rose Ondrako (Brad Whittaker) and Ellen Lewis (Oronde Batch); son Anthony; grandchildren Ella, Hayven, and Benjamin; and siblings Jan, Patricia, Larry, Lois, and Michelle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Christine and Judith.  Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. The burial and military honors will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Uniontown. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.

Charles Danforth, Supervisor

Originally published October 29, 2024.

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